We prefer having multiple VMs, each one supporting between 4 and 8 users. Users can connect remotely from any device through a local RDS client and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Setup and Maintenance. Your email address will not be published. Although they may have few similarities but it is important to get the understanding of both the concepts to get a clear idea. Which is better – VDI vs … In a dynamic architecture, on the other hand, there is only one master image of the desktop stored. Depending on their virtualization needs, companies may want to mix and match virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and Remote Desktop Services (RDS) technologies. Again, when using the Windows Server 2016 OS, VMs can easily be started and stopped directly in Azure. The following article is a comparison of several features ofMicrosoft Windows 2012 Remote Desktop Services vs. CitrixXenApp: Ct. Carrollton, TX 75006. Customers often come to us asking for VDI, but after understanding what they are truly looking for, understand how RDS can meet their needs and save. VDI stands for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and RDS stands for Remote Desktop Session Hosts. RDS may be used to boot desktop and application deployment while at the same time allowing the running of just about any OS or application. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS), previously called Terminal Services, has been with us for 15 years. Remote Desktop Services (RDS), Think About Migration of Your Existing vCP to 6.7/7.0, VMware Project Pacific – Technical Overview, Revolutionizing the Future of Cloud Computing with Artificial Intelligence, Computational Storage: Potential Benefits of Reducing Data Movement. Microsoft is releasing new Windows 10 licensing mechanisms, but I have not seen a complete solution for running Windows 10 in Azure in a VDI environment. RDS is built around the Windows Server Operating System. RDS -- formerly known as Terminal Services -- is a proprietary protocol in Windows systems used to provide a session-based virtual desktop or develop a virtual desktop infrastructure. For a moderately priced Azure VM, we have found that one instance of Windows Server 2016 can usually support four to eight simultaneous users. For every VDI scenario I have seen, that means the Windows Server infrastructure will require access to the Hypervisor host. Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), on the other hand, is still getting its engine going in many organizations.. To help you choose the right path for your environment, see how VDI and RDS stack up against one another in this desktop virtualization comparison. Shaifali Narula March 6, 2017 Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Vs. [Tweet “Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (#VDI) Vs. Topics: The concept of VDI is to store and run desktop workloads including a Windows client operating system, applications, and data in a server-based virtual machine (VM) in a data center to allow a user to interact with the desktop presented via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Remote Desktop Services 2016 – Part 11 – Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Date: January 7, 2019 Author: Nedim Mehic 15 Comments. Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is defined as the hosting of desktop environments on a central server. , then after hours, the VMs can be taken offline as users log off. In this part we will discuss why or when to implement this insted of RDS Session Host environment. Round 1 – Citrix vs RDS Performance: At the heart of every Desktop Virtualisation solution lies a Remote Desktop Protocol. Desktop virtualization is a top trending term, which is capable of delivering high performance, high security and required flexibility to all businesses. Although there can be multiple virtual machines per a given underlying physical server, but, only one user at a time on a given virtual machine i.e each user can be assigned their own virtual machine. With traditional PCs and laptops, that hasn't always been possible. However, cloud management is not the only difference between VDI and DaaS. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is an individual virtual machine running a desktop Operating System. We have a great article talking about how you can keep each VM smaller while using auto-scaling to increase capacity as users log in. Check out some of our other common questions and answers here. VDI stands for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and RDS stands for Remote Desktop Session Hosts. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) provides remote access to a virtual desktop to a centralized server, which means all users get access to the exact same applications, as provided by an administrator. Have other questions? VDI vs RDP vs DaaS vs Remote Desktops vs Virtual Desktops vs Hosted Apps There can be a lot of confusing jargon when looking at IT solutions when you are not familiar with the terminology. What if Computational Storage never existed? And in the case of Virtual Desktop (VDI) solution, it is hard to recover in case of a failure due to complex configuration compared to a physical one. Desktop as a Service vs. What is RDS? Required fields are marked *. VDI is a centralized desktop delivery solution. Most organizations will choose between Remote Desktop Services (RDS), virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), or a virtual private network (VPN). This is the last piece of the puzzle in our RDS series. I have 2.3 years of working experience in NAS domain. Your solution may use Microsoft’s RDP, Citrix’s HDX protocol, or any of the many other protocols powering modern cloud solutions. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(2540444, 'd69f0ce0-4072-472a-a741-82d1e1ddc629', {}); Tags: In a VDI deployment, there are two models, a static or persistent virtual desktop and a dynamic or non-persistent one. Management of a Single OS Can Reduce Costs. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. If need be, IT admins can reset the desktop to wipe out data, software or any other potentially risky document as a safety measure. In that case, you won’t need an RDS CAL. With Azure, your runtime cost includes the Windows Server license and user CALs, , you just need to add the RDS SALs for each RDS user, Microsoft is releasing new Windows 10 licensing mechanisms, but I have not see, Windows 10 client OS’ managed by the Windows Server infrastructure require. In today’s Information technology world, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and Remote Desktop Services (earlier known as Terminal Services) are the most used terms and people often get confused between these two. The solution also improves scalability, reliability, and compatibility. Either Remote Desktop Services (RDS) or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) can achieve desktop virtualization. What is RDS? For Windows 10 licensing, see below. I want to talk about Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) as the successor to on-prem deployments of Remote Desktop Services (RDS), and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).. Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is an alternative way to provide desktops. This means that one single Windows Server license and one single Azure virtual machine can now support your four users at a lower cost than Windows 10. With RDS and Windows Server, one instance of Windows Server 2016 can support as many simultaneous users as the underlying hardware will support. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a standard method for desktop virtualization. With VDI, each user will have their own dedicated Windows-based system which can be configured to their liking, unlike RDS (see below.) The desktop could be a normal PC or a Virtual Machine. Once installed, RDS is easy to set up and get working. Have other questions? With remote access requirements today, many organizations are looking at options to allow employees to work remotely. The components of Citrix XenDesktop are: Both RDS and VDI are core components of desktop virtualization, and they satisfy specific computing requirements and scenarios with deployment readiness and flexibility. RDS is software that runs on a single server and users can connect to a virtual machine or operating system (sharing the applications and hardware) and access desktops from any computer that is running remote desktop software. Examples of this may be cross-platform delivery, circumventing tricky license agreements, or delivering to thinner end-clients. To me, this limits your ability to manage runtime costs if you are using VDI. RDS is one of the most mature remote-access offerings from Microsoft. From a cost perspective, that means you must pay the runtime cost of 4 virtual machines and the Windows 10 licensing cost for 4 Windows 10 instances. Want Future Tips Emailed Right to Your Inbox? VDI is a variation of a desktop virtualization client-server model that offers remote access to a virtual desktop on a centralized server. Remote Desktop Services. Want Future Tips Emailed Right to Your Inbox? When you’re looking for a unified experience and don’t need to allocate a lot of resources, consider a remote desk. Storage, Networking, Virtualization and Cloud Blogs - Calsoft Inc. Blog. Let's take a look at RDS vs. VDI vs. VPN to see why your business may choose one technology over another for remote access. Devices eligible for use under the Windows CSL include any type of personally owned device as well as corporate owned non-x86 devices. Choosing the right virtualization tool. Organizations can achieve desktop virtualization in a variety of ways, but the most popular options include virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and desktop as a service (DaaS). A client desktop operating-system – typically Microsoft Windows 7 or windows 10 – runs within a virtual environment on a server. At this point you are thinking, of course I want my users on Windows 10, not Windows Server. Let’s talk about the difference and why one vs. the other may be beneficial to you. Also, In a VDI environment physical CPU, Memory and Disk capacity can be allocated to particular user which stops one user’s actions affecting other users. Keep in mind it is not complete because it does not include the Windows 10 client licensing. Those endpoints may be PCs or other devices, like tablets or thin client terminals. Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) In VDI, the client connects to a dedicated “host” running a client version of Windows , such as the Windows 7 or Windows 10 that is running on your laptop. With virtual desktop technologies, such as VDI and Session Host (Terminal Services, Remote Desktop Services, etc. Let’s talk about the difference and why one vs. the other may be beneficial to you. Also, VDI ensures a consistent user experience across various devices and results in a productivity boost. 1101 Venture If one PC is impacted, the individual can simply switch ON another device or computer and load up their virtual desktop to continue working. Whereas, In a VDI environment each user either accesses their own centrally hosted physical PC or VM or they can access a shared VM. What is the Potential of Network as a Service? Windows Virtual Desktop vs. Amazon AppStream 2.0 vs. VDI For various reasons, when it comes to deploying software in Higher Education, many of the most challenging delivery contexts may require VDI. Will It Get Easier? Do You Treat Your Servers like Cows or Puppies? Two ‘competing’ solutions, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and desktop as a service (DaaS), probably turned up in your search. From a technical perspective, Windows 10 client OS’ managed by the Windows Server infrastructure requires the ability to be able to create new virtual machines on demand. The “host” will typically be a Virtual Machine, but in theory it could also be a PC (on the condition that it’s connected to network and power). You just need to add your RDS CALs, or RDS SALs for each user. For every VDI scenario I have seen, that means the Windows Server infrastructure will require access to the Hypervisor host. Customers often come to us asking for VDI, but after understanding what they are truly looking for, they understand how RDS can meet their needs and save money. Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solutions provide the same capability, but as a managed service offered by cloud vendors. Below is the cost breakdown for 4 users. What about an RDP connection to a VDI (without the use of RDS)? RDS is built around the Windows Server Operating System. The same cannot be said for Windows 10 licenses. The user’s machine functions like an input/output (I/O) terminal to the central server. The two big differences between VDI and RDS really comes down to reducing cost and how you acquire your Windows 10 license. Remote Desktop Services (#RDS) ~ via @CalsoftInc”], Your email address will not be published. Microsoft writes: “Each user and device that connects to a Remote Desktop Session host needs a client access licenses (CAL).” Read more! Copyright ©2020. What this really means is VDI is built around the Windows Client Operating System, Windows 10. Compare Amazon WorkSpaces (VDI) vs Remote Desktop Services. For desktop virtualization, companies can choose between VDI vs RDS either a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or a remote desktop service (RDS). Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) technology enables you to deploy virtual machines (VMs) as an on-premise or cloud resource. That means that whether you have 1 or 100 users connected, you must, have an Azure nested virtual infrastructure that can support all 100 users. Remote Desktop Services. After the recent flurry of news stories regarding TeamViewer and compromised computers (you can read their press release here and our article about properly securing TeamViewer here), there’s been quite a bit of interest in alternative remote desktop programs.Fortunately, there’s practically as many ways to set up a remote desktop session as there are motivations for doing so. Right? Remote Desktop Services differ from VDI solutions in a number of ways. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I am Quality Assurance Engineer in calsoft. The VMware View product has a number of components which are required to provide the virtual desktops, including: Citrix XenDesktop is an application and desktop virtualization product that delivers complete Windows desktops and applications across virtual infrastructures developed and sold by Citrix Systems. There is, as you can see, a huge difference between the two. 65 verified user reviews and ratings of features, pros, cons, pricing, support and more. [Infoblog] What are companies doing in the computational storage space? The Windows CSL is an optional add-on for the primary user of an SA licensed device, and grants the rights to access a corporate desktop through VDI or Windows To Go on up to four companion devices. The VM runtime cost includes the Windows Server 2016 license. Azure does not expose the Hypervisor hosts to external management, so the only way I can see running VDI in Azure is with nested virtualization. I believe that using Windows 10 in Azure will be easier over time, but for now, using Windows Server 2016 and RDS will provide the capabilities your users need, while providing a cost-effective solution. VDI is different from RDS in following ways: Different providers of VDI and their components: VMware View provides remote-desktop capabilities to users using VMware’s virtualization technology. RDS stands for Remote Desktop Services and is a part of the remote access solution from Microsoft, being a part of Windows Server 2008 . Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is a data center technology that supplies hosted desktop images to remote users. An Overview of Windows Virtual Desktop & Remote Desktop Services, 3 Ways You Could Be Using Remote Desktop Services (RDS). What this really means is VDI is built around the Windows Client Operating System, Windows 10. ), you can access your files and apps from pretty much anywhere, any time. Remote Desktop Services. of course I want my users on Windows 10, not Windows Server. More and more the question comes upwhether Citrix XenApp is still necessary. Formerly known as Terminal Services, multiple users share the same OS and applications running in the server, known as the “RD Session Host.” Shared sessions is the way Terminal Services handle thin clients. © Copyright 2020 | MyCloudIT | All Rights Reserved, We have a great article talking about how you can keep each VM smaller while using auto-scaling to increase capacity as users log in. Storage, Networking, Virtualization and Cloud Blogs – Calsoft Inc. Blog, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Vs. I have worked on various protocols like CIFS, NFS, NDMP, iSCSI, SAMBA etc. Software installation, configuration and updating is easier to control when the end user’s desktops run in a centralized datacenter, rather than in each end user’s PC. For companies with staff that needs a more tailored experience, dedicated resources, and more processing power, go with a VDI. Microsoft launched Windows Terminal Services with MS Windows 2008, and this later came to be known as remote desktop services. Conclusion. That means that whether you have 1 or 100 users connected, you must always have an Azure nested virtual infrastructure that can support all 100 users running all the time. Application and desktop virtualization has become an irresistible option for businesses looking to optimize resources, provide mobile solutions and deliver a consistent user experience. Check out some of our other. This means if you need to support 4 users, you need 4 instances, or virtual machines, running Windows 10. Here’s where RDS and Citrix start to part ways. In addition, users can access their desktops from any computer running Remote Desktop Services (RDS). The MyCloudIT platform supports auto-scaling so those additional VMs can be started as user demand increases, then after hours, the VMs can be taken offline as users log off. Here is an easy explanation of the main differences between the … Processing moves from individual workstations to a VDI server. Many small and mid-sized businesses are already familiar with using Remote Desktop or … However, you will need a Windows VDA (Virtual Desktop Access) license. running VDI in Azure is with nested virtualization. With all the chaos today, you may be searching for ways to simplify IT management for your remote workers. I believe that using Windows 10 in Azure will be easier over time, but for now, using Windows Server 2016 and RDS will provide the capabilities your users need, while providing a cost-effective solution. With virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), there are multiple devices using or running the same version or image of OS which means whenever there is an issue to troubleshoot, you only need to do it once. In a RDS environment multiple users can access a single environment, which could be customized on a per user basis but resources are not dedicated to a particular user. This chart compares the Azure VM runtime cost of running the 4 VMs required to support 4 users with Windows 10, compared to the single VM running the Windows Server OS. With Azure, your runtime cost includes the Windows Server license and user CALs, you just need to add the RDS SALs for each RDS user. VDI stands for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure. This model ensures that all users have access to the very same software that the administrator has provided. VDI and RDS have peculiarities that adapt to the different needs of a business, but making a choice between them could be difficult for some companies. VPNs do the trick, but they're usually a … Well, maybe not. Due to the nature of the remote control service, it is more suitable than Virtual Desktop (VDI) solution for responding faster to an emergency. 4 virtual machines and the Windows 10 licensing cost for 4 Windows 10 instances. IT administrators create a desktop image on the server, which is then cloned and presented to the user with all the applications and data that are associated with their user credentials. Unveiling Emerging Data-centric Storage Architectures. What is VDI? For a moderately priced Azure VM, we have found that one instance of Windows Server 2016 can usually support four, This means that one single Windows Server license and one single Azure virtual machine can now support your four users at a lower cost than Windows 10. Organizations can achieve desktop virtualization in a variety of ways, but the most popular options include virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and desktop as a service (DaaS). eep in mind that Windows 10 only supports one user per Operating System instance. This is a basic price breakdown for 4 users. Unlike traditional VDI or remote desktop solutions, VMware Horizon allows you to consume resources such as storage space, CPU, memory, and networking more rationally. What's the Difference? Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a term used to describe users accessing a full desktop Operating System (OS) environment remotely. We prefer having multiple VMs, each one supporting, platform supports auto-scaling so those additional VMs can be started. It is a form of desktop virtualization, as the specific desktop images run within virtual machines (VMs) and are delivered to end clients over a network. Today, desktop virtualization has become an inevitable option for businesses to optimize resources, provide mobility solutions, and deliver a higher level of performance. Keep in mind that Windows 10 only supports one user per Operating System instance. In a Cloud environment, that means you need 4 separate virtual machines. Of course, you can make the virtual machine larger to support additional users, but we do not advocate continuing to make the VM larger, that can get expensive quickly. This was once called “terminal services”. Head-to-Head: VPN vs VDI vs RDS. However, Microsoftsupplements and optimizes Remote Desktop Services with each newversion of Windows Server. Azure does not expose the Hypervisor hosts to external management, so the only way I can see. VDI basically refers to a computing architecture whereby a user has access to a virtualized instance of a client operating system, such as Windows 7, that is actually running on a back-end server instead of on the user’s endpoint device.VDI solutions can be implemented in two ways: personal (each user has his or her own virtual desktop to customize as desired) or pooled (virtual desktops are shared by users and revert to their pristine state when the user logs off). Of course, you can make the virtual machine larger, support additional users, but we do not advocate continuing to make the VM larger, that can get expensive quickly. In static mode, there is a one-to-one mapping of VMs to users. This means if you need to support 4 users, you need 4 instances, From a cost perspective, that means you must pay the runtime cost.